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What to Serve With Charcuterie: 15 Best Side Dishes

Enhance your charcuterie board with fresh fruits like apples and mangoes to add a burst of color and balance. Include artisanal breads such as sourdough or focaccia for a rich foundation. Mixed nuts like almonds and cashews provide a satisfying crunch and pair well with cheeses and meats. Pickled vegetables, such as cucumbers and radishes, offer tangy flavors, while olives like Kalamata or Castelvetrano bring a savory touch. These side dishes not only enhance the taste but also elevate the visual appeal of your spread. For more ideas that will impress your guests, there's a lot more to explore.

Fresh Fruits

vibrant market produce display

Fresh fruits are an essential accompaniment to charcuterie, offering a revitalizing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of cured meats and cheeses.

Select seasonal selections like crisp apples or juicy pears for rejuvenation. Consider tropical options such as mango slices or pineapple chunks for a delightful twist.

These fruits provide both color and a invigorating balance, enhancing the overall charcuterie experience.

Artisanal Breads

handcrafted freshly baked loaves

A well-curated selection of artisanal breads can greatly enhance the charcuterie experience, providing a robust foundation for savoring various meats and cheeses.

Sourdough loaves, with their tangy crust and chewy interior, pair excellently with rich, savory flavors.

Focaccia slices, infused with herbs and olive oil, add a flavorful and aromatic touch, making every bite a delightful blend of textures and tastes.

Mixed Nuts

a medley of snacks

Complementing the diverse flavors of a charcuterie board, mixed nuts provide a satisfying crunch and an additional layer of complexity. They pair well with various cheeses and meats, enhancing flavor pairings.

When including mixed nuts, always consider nut allergies among guests. Offering a variety of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews, guarantees a delightful experience while being mindful of potential allergens.

Pickled Vegetables

fermented vegetables in brine

Why not elevate your charcuterie board with the tangy, crisp flavors of pickled vegetables?

Fermented cucumbers add a delightful crunch, while spicy radishes bring a zesty kick.

These pickled treats balance the richness of meats and cheeses, offering an invigorating contrast.

They not only enhance the taste but also provide a colorful, visually appealing addition to your charcuterie presentation.

Olives

mediterranean fruit with pits

For another burst of flavor and texture, olives offer a briny, savory addition that pairs beautifully with an array of charcuterie components. Olive varieties like Kalamata, Castelvetrano, and Picholine bring distinct flavors and textures to the table.

These olive pairings enhance the overall experience, complementing meats, cheeses, and crackers, while adding a delightful Mediterranean touch to your charcuterie board.

Honey and Jams

sweet spreads and preserves

Honey and jams provide a sweet contrast that enhances the savory flavors of a charcuterie board.

Floral honeys, with their delicate scents, pair wonderfully with creamy cheeses.

Spicy jams add a delightful kick, balancing rich meats and tangy pickles.

These sweet accompaniments not only diversify the palate but also create a harmonious blend of flavors, making each bite more enjoyable and memorable.

Crackers

delicious cheese and crackers

Crackers serve as the essential foundation for constructing balanced, bite-sized combinations on a charcuterie board. They come in various types, offering gluten-free options to accommodate all guests.

Experimenting with different flavor combinations—such as rosemary, sea salt, or sesame—can elevate the tasting experience. These versatile carriers enhance the textures and tastes of cheeses, meats, and spreads, making them indispensable to any charcuterie spread.

Fresh Herbs

delicious herbs for cooking

In addition to crackers, incorporating fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil can greatly enhance the flavors and presentation of a charcuterie board.

Herb infused oils add an extra layer of taste, perfect for drizzling over meats and cheeses.

Basil pesto, with its rich, aromatic profile, can be used as a flavorful dip or spread, complementing the assorted elements wonderfully.

Mustards

condiment assortment for sale

Why are mustards an indispensable addition to a charcuterie board?

Mustards, especially flavored mustards, offer a tangy contrast that enhances the rich flavors of meats and cheeses. The texture of mustard seeds adds a delightful crunch.

Whether you prefer spicy, sweet, or herbal varieties, these condiments provide a versatile and flavorful complement, making them a must-have for any charcuterie spread.

Dried Fruits

tasty dehydrated fruit snacks

Dried fruits bring a natural sweetness and chewy texture that beautifully balances the savory elements of a charcuterie board.

Exotic varieties, such as dried mango and pineapple, add an adventurous twist, while dried berries like cranberries and blueberries offer a delightful contrast.

These fruits complement the meats and cheeses, providing both visual appeal and an engaging mix of flavors to enjoy.

Soft Cheeses

creamy and spreadable textures

Soft cheeses introduce a creamy and rich element to a charcuterie board, enhancing the overall tasting experience with their delicate textures and complex flavors.

Varieties like blue cheeses can add a tangy note, perfectly complementing other items on cheese platters.

Soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert offer a smooth, buttery taste that balances well with the salty and savory components of the board.

Hard Cheeses

aged firm dairy products

Incorporating hard cheeses into a charcuterie board adds a firm texture and robust flavor that contrasts beautifully with the softer elements.

These cheeses, thanks to meticulous cheese aging, develop complex flavor profiles that can range from nutty to sharp. Popular choices include aged Gouda, Parmesan, and Manchego.

Their distinct tastes enhance the overall experience, making each bite a delightful adventure.

Marinated Vegetables

vegetables soaking in flavor

Marinated vegetables introduce a tangy and vibrant element to a charcuterie board, complementing the rich flavors of meats and cheeses.

Grilled artichokes and roasted peppers are perfect choices, adding depth and a burst of color.

These vegetables, soaked in flavorful marinades, provide a delightful contrast that enhances the overall tasting experience, making each bite more enjoyable and memorable.

Spreads and Dips

delicious party snacks galore

Spreads and dips frequently serve as versatile and flavorful accompaniments on a charcuterie board, enhancing the tasting experience with their diverse textures and tastes. Hummus varieties offer creamy, savory options that pair well with meats and cheeses.

Cream cheese, with its smooth and rich texture, also adds a delightful touch. These spreads and dips bring an additional layer of enjoyment to any charcuterie selection.

Are the Best Side Dishes for Dinner Different from Those Served with a Charcuterie Board?

When it comes to dinner, the best side dishes for a charcuterie board are different from those served with a regular meal. While dinner side dishes may include mashed potatoes or vegetables, the best side dishes for a charcuterie board are usually cheeses, fruits, nuts, and bread.

Dark Chocolate

rich and indulgent treat

Dark chocolate introduces a rich and slightly bitter contrast that can beautifully complement the savory elements of a charcuterie board. Its complex flavor profiles, from fruity to nutty notes, enhance the tasting experience.

Additionally, dark chocolate offers numerous health benefits, such as antioxidants and improved heart health, making it a delightful yet beneficial addition to your curated selection of meats and cheeses.